Allyne Janice "Jan" Wilson

We are gathered here today to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Allyne "Jan" Janice Gandy Wilson - a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was 90 years old when she peacefully passed from this life on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Jan was born on September 23, 1935, in Wright City, Texas, to Retha Bell Morris Gandy and William David Gandy. From the very beginning, Jan's life was grounded in faith, family, and service-three values that shaped every chapter of her journey.

In 1960, a seemingly ordinary day at a Shoney's in Charlotte, North Carolina turned into a life-changing moment when Jan met the love of her life, Russ Wilson. That meeting sparked a love story that would last over 64 beautiful years. A year later, they moved to Texas and began building a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose.

Jan's early career was a calling, not just a job. She served as the youth work director at First Methodist Church in Houston and was honored to be installed as one of only three deaconesses by the national Methodist Church at the time. Her work was a reflection of her deep and abiding faith - and the first of many ways she would touch the lives of others.

In 1966, Jan and Russ made their home in Silsbee, Texas. While Russ worked to grow his independent grocery business, Jan was the heart and soul of their home - raising their three children with grace, energy, and boundless love. She was the quiet, powerful engine that kept everything running smoothly.

But when the children were grown and Russ retired, a new chapter began. Jan's adventurous spirit came to life in full color. From 1992 onward, she and Russ traveled the world, visiting every continent and dozens of countries. Her favorite destinations included Hawaii, China, and Europe - and true to her generous nature, she often brought family and friends along, always eager to share the joy of discovering new places and cultures.

Jan was also a gifted and accomplished seamstress and craft maker. Her hands created beauty, comfort, and care - not just for her family, but for countless others through her ministry work. After connecting with CASA, an advocacy organization for children from broken homes or in dire situations, Jan got to work on their behalf. Spearheading a group of like-minded women, Jan began a ministry of love and hope spanning years and expanding to serve other organizations with needs. Through the Threads of Hope sewing group, she served thousands, offering handmade items to those in need. In every stitch was love, and in every project, her faith shone brightly.

Jan lived her life as a reflection of Christ's light. Her spirit of joy, gratitude, and service never dimmed - even in her later years. She gave freely of her time, her talents, and most of all, her love. Anyone who ever encountered Jan Wilson felt her warmth. Her smile, her gentle presence, her faith - it left an imprint on everyone she met.

We were blessed to celebrate Jan's 90th birthday with her on September 23rd, 2025. Her desire to be with the Lord was clear on that day, as was her love and joy for ALL those around her.

Her beauty, inside and out, and her unwavering desire to uplift and comfort others are part of the legacy she leaves behind. Anyone who ever encountered her, either casually or as a friend over time, was certain to have been influenced by a true and loving angel of God.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Russell Wilson; her loving children - Chad Sterling Wilson of Orange; Andrew Gray Wilson and his wife, Deanna, of Lumberton; and Leah Wilson Walker and her husband, Tighe, of Austin; grandchildren, Sloan Sterling Wilson and his wife, Megan; Sierra Kay Wilson; and Joshua Alexander McDill; great-granddaughter, Hazel Wilson; and her brother, Don Gandy of Silsbee.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Bill, Eugene, and Tex Gandy.

As we say goodbye today, we hold close the memories of Jan's laughter, her faith, her strength, and her unwavering love. Her life was a gift to this world - and though we will miss her deeply, we are forever grateful to have known and loved her.

In honoring her life, let us carry forward her legacy: to serve others with joy, to love unconditionally, and to shine the light of Christ in everything we do.

Thank you, Jan, for the beautiful life you lived. You will always be in our hearts.